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Practice News
All the latest news and information from the surgery and our patient community
Summer 2026
Patient Feedback
A big thank you to everyone who attended their appointments this month. We had a 97.3% attendance rate!
If you did miss your appointment, please follow the link below to tell us why so that we can keep missed appointments to a minimum:
If you have recently been in contact with us please fill out our practice survey which can be found here
Or you can fill out a paper version in our waiting rooms.
Westbank Practice Survey
A big thank you to everyone who completed the Westbank Practice Patient Survey! We were delighted to receive 354 responses - here’s what you told us:
- 98.3% felt safe during their visit
- 98.0% were treated with respect, dignity and compassion
- 95.2% had their communication needs met
- 94.4% feel the practice works well as a team
- 87.0% found accessing apointments easy or very easy
GP Patient Survey
We are delighted to share the results of the 2026 GP Patient Survey, which highlight the high-quality care and service provided by the Westbank team.
This year's results showed that:
- 97% of patients described their overall experience of Westbank Practice as good.
- 91% found it easy to get through to us by telephone.
- 100% said our reception and admin team were helpful.
- 97% felt their needs were met at their last appointment.
These results place Westbank amongst the highest-performing practices locally and reflect the dedication, professionalism and kindness shown by our staff every day.
We would like to thank all our patients who took the time to provide feedback, and our staff for their continued commitment to delivering excellent care. Whilst we are proud of these results, we remain committed to listening to our patients and continually improving our services.
Research
Antibiotics for chesty cough in older people, the ‘AFLOAT Study’ starting this Autumn. New cough due to bronchitis is a common reason for antibiotic prescribing in the UK, however antibiotics have shown no benefit if pneumonia is not suspected. Over prescribing antibiotics gives patients unnecessary side effects, increases antibiotic resistance and leads to over medicalisation of simple illnesses. Although complications have been identified in older patients with other health problems and may put them at risk of more complicated illnesses, we don't know if antibiotics would help them.
This study is looking to see whether giving antibiotics when we wouldn’t normally improves cough symptoms, compared to a placebo for this at-risk group. If you are eligible in the autumn, we will discuss the study with you further and offer you the option of taking part. Like in any research study you do not have to take part, it will not affect your treatment and you can withdraw at any time. Keep an eye out for posters and further information in the waiting rooms over the next few months.
Patient Participation Group (PPG)
We are always looking for new members to join our group! If you have an idea or suggestion to improve patient experience, please let us know:
PPG 20 year celebration!
Save the date for the Westbank Patient Participation Group celebration of 20 years of achievement, partnership & patient voice.
- 22nd October 2026
- Kenton Victory Hall
- 12:30 - 13:30
TakeATestUK
You may be eligible for a free virus testing kit if you have had a respiratory infection (such as cough or cold) symptoms for less than 10 days.
Please follow the link below and provide the GP Practice's code (L83041) and your NHS number:
Did Not Attend (DNAs)
We understand that unexpected circumstances can sometimes make it difficult to attend an appointment. However, GP appointments are in high demand, so please let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to attend. This allows us to offer the appointment to another patient who may need urgent care.
Please also be aware that if you arrive too late to be seen and need to rebook, the original appointment will be recorded as a Did Not Attend (DNA).
Appointments can be cancelled by:
- Phoning 01392 833230
- Cancelling online via SystmOnline
Reminders
Test Results
Results outside the normal range are not always a cause for concern. If we need to discuss your result or arrange any follow-up, we will contact you.
If your symptoms get worse, or you are worried about your health, please contact the practice.
NHS Health Checks
NHS Health Checks are available to adults aged 40-74 with no pre-existing health conditions. The comprehensive check-up is designed to assess your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
If you are eligible for a Health Check you will be contacted around your birth month.
Tips for Hay Fever
Hay fever symptoms can vary in severity, and some people need medication to manage them. A wide range of treatments is available over the counter at pharmacies and supermarkets.
How can I avoid triggers?
- Keep house and car windows closed, especially during high pollen times (7-9 AM & 5-7 PM).
- Avoid grassy areas, woodlands, and air pollution.
- Wear wrap-around sunglasses.
- Wash hands, face, hair, rinse eyes, and change clothes after being outside.
- Stay indoors during high pollen counts if possible.
- Apply petroleum jelly inside your nose to trap pollen.
- Keep your home clean; wear a mask and glasses when cleaning.
- Avoid drying clothes outside.
- Use a pollen filter for car air vents.
Tips for Heat
As the weather is getting warmer, it’s incredibly important to protect yourself.
Shade from the sun will keep you safer in summer weather. Clothing should cover skin as much as possible and remember, no sunscreen provides complete protection.
Shade can also provide a good barrier between our skin and the sun so seek shade whenever possible and remember to stay hydrated!